Waste

Reducing Waste in the ACT

In line with its leading role on renewable energy and environmental sustainability, the ACT Government is aiming to establish a carbon neutral waste sector and a circular economy where waste materials are reused or recycled instead of being thrown away. Organic material that is left to break down in landfill releases methane, a greenhouse gas twenty times more powerful than carbon dioxide. Reducing waste can vastly improve our goal of limiting greenhouse gas emissions while meeting Canberra’s target of being a carbon neutral city by 2050.

The ACT is aiming for 90% resource recovery by 2025, whilst doubling its energy generation from waste by 2020 through initiatives such as methane capture at landfill, recycling infrastructure expansion such as the Green Shed and public recycling bins, as well as community waste education campaigns.

Recycling

Source: www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au

Sorting recyclable materials also goes a long way in extending the use of a single product and reducing unnecessary goods to landfill. The ACT has the highest recycling rates in Australia, recovering 70-75 per cent according to the 2015 State of the Environment Report. Do your part to keep our recycling record!

Both the above centres also have a re-use facility that operates under the Green Shed. Here you are able to drop off reusable items, or buy reused items for a very cheap price. Many unwanted items including e-waste can be resold to these two management centres, subject to quality and demand of the produce, and you can even be eligible for a free pick up service.

Old mobile phones, batteries, headphones and small electronic goods can be dropped off in our Mobile Muster bin at the Centre.